How to Grow Red Sedum

by M.H. Dyer

"Red Carpet" sedum (Sedum spurium "Red Carpet"), or dragon's blood sedum, is one of several sedum varieties and is valued for its dense, ground-hugging carpet of red foliage that turns a deeper shade of red throughout fall and winter. Clusters of tiny pink blooms decorate the plant for up to a month in early summer. At maturity, the plant reaches a height of only 4 inches, with an 18-inch spread. This long-lived, low-maintenance sedum is suitable for planting in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9.

1

Plant "Red Carpet" sedum where the plant is exposed to full or partial sunlight. Although sedum prefers poor soil, adequate drainage is critical, as the plant dies in wet, muddy conditions.

2

Apply a thin layer of fine compost to the soil around the plant every spring. Top the compost with up to 2 inches of natural mulch such as chopped dry leaves, shredded bark or pine needles. The compost and mulch enrich the soil, moderate soil moisture and temperature, and keep weeds in check.

3

Provide 1 inch of water every week that the plants receive no natural rainfall. Don't overwater, and ensure that the soil dries between waterings. A drought-tolerant plant, sedum is quickly killed in wet soil.

4

Cut the plant down to 1 or 2 inches either after the first frost in autumn or in early spring. Cutting back the plant clears out old growth and creates space for new.

5

Divide "Red Carpet" sedum every three to four years, as soon as new growth emerges in spring. Dig the plant with a spade or garden fork, and pull the plant into smaller plants. Discard dry, woody areas, and replant the divisions.

About the Author

M.H. Dyer began her writing career as a staff writer at a community newspaper and is now a full-time commercial writer. She writes about a variety of topics, with a focus on sustainable, pesticide- and herbicide-free gardening. She is an Oregon State University Master Gardener and Master Naturalist and holds a Master of Fine Arts in creative nonfiction writing.

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